Court Ruling Allows Mackenzie & 17 Others To Remain In Custody For 47 More Days

Shanzu Court has ordered that suspected religious cult leader Pastor Paul Mackenzie and 17 others remain in custody for 39 more days pending the investigation into the Shakahola deaths.

The court ruled that the suspects be detained for a period not exceeding 47 days from August 2, 2023. This means they will be in custody until September 8, 2023.

The Director of Public Prosecution had requested for Mackenzie to be detained for another period not exceeding 47 days to allow for investigations into three matters:

• The identification of the bodies that have been exhumed in Shakahola.
• The DNA analysis of the bodies to determine the cause of death.
• The gathering of evidence to support charges against the suspects.

The prosecutor argued that the investigation was complex and that the bodies had not yet been identified. He also said that the DNA analysis would take longer than usual due to various challenges.

The court agreed with the prosecution and ordered that the suspects remain in custody. Mackenzie and his co-accused will be held at Shimo La Tewa, Kilifi and Malindi GK Prisons as recommended by the government.

Mackenzie and his co-accused are facing charges under the Terrorism Act for suspected cultic activities that have led to the exhumation of over 300 bodies in Shakahola.

In summary, a court in Kenya has ordered that suspected cult leader Pastor Paul Mackenzie and 17 others remain in custody for 39 more days pending the investigation into the Shakahola deaths. The prosecution argued that the investigation was complex and that the bodies had not yet been identified. The court agreed and ordered that the suspects remain in custody.